The NBA moved up the start of its 72nd regular season in hopes of creating more opportunities for players to rest without doing so during games. The Oct. 17 opener is the league's earliest since the 1980-81 season began on Oct. 10.

National TV games during the opening week and the Christmas schedule were unveiled Thursday. The complete schedule is being finalized and will be announced next week.

The Oct. 18 schedule features the 76ers potentially debuting the last two No. 1 picks at Washington. Ben Simmons sat out all last season with a foot injury, and Philadelphia then grabbed guard Markelle Fultz in June after trading with Boston to move up to No. 1.

Jimmy Butler makes his Timberwolves debut in the nightcap of that ESPN doubleheader in San Antonio, while the Oct. 19 games feature Paul George and Oklahoma City hosting the Knicks.